Effect of Bat Guano and Biochar on Okra Yield and Some Soil Properties

The difficulty in obtaining commercial fertilizers by smallholder farmers sub-Saharan Africa makes it very important to optimize the use of local organic resources. In VilanKulo, Mozambique, a study was carried out on okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) over two growing seasons. soil haplic, loamy-sand textured Lixisol. As amendments, bat guano and biochar were used. Bat is phosphorus (P)-rich low-carbon (C)/nitrogen (N)-ratio material from natural deposits cave floor. Biochar C-rich prepared via an artisanal process using forest residues as feedstock. applied at rates (5 10 t ha−1) just before sowing. It also same one month used mixed 1 4 ha−1 2 8 ha−1, respectively, experiment non-fertilized control. Field trials arranged completely randomized design with three replicates. treatments that received high tended show significantly higher fruit yields (>10 two-year average) comparison control, which showed lowest average yield (6.21 ha−1). treatments, apparent recovery some nutrients, such N, greater than amount nutrient contained itself. This result, together many others related tissue concentration, properties residual fertilizing value plots, indicated strong mineralization during season. probably due its low C/N ratio favourable environmental conditions for process. result suggests kind manuring effect, i.e., effect beyond what can be explained supply. increased total C cation exchange capacity (CEC) compared control but did not affect variables plant performance. Overall, results benefit short term because releases while biochar, benefits arise long improving properties.